Repairers thanks community for its holiday season support

Thrift store still in need of donations

Submitted photo/

Bringing Christmas joy: Representatives from the Newton County Fire Department haul bags of toys to donate to Repairers of the Breach, which provided Christmas toys to 300 children this holiday season.

Repairers of the Breach had another busy holiday season handing out toys, clothes and food to families in need. CEO Shirley Smith said it couldn’t have been done without the support of numerous groups around Newton County.

On Dec. 22, Repairers held its annual Christmas program, providing bagfuls of toys to about 300 children. The children and their families also received clothes and food.

Many toys were provided by the Newton County Fire Department, while others were purchased by Repairers using donation money it received. Smith estimated that the thrift store probably gave away $5,000 worth of toys.

The NCFD also provided Christmas for a family staying in the Repairer’s "homeless house." Smith said the woman and her five children received toys, bicycles, new clothes and food.

Groups that donated money included the Honeywell Corporation, Snapping Shoals, Sunbelco,The Community Foundation, United Bank, William Warlaw and about 15 other individuals.

Smith said the youth group from County Line Baptist Church came to Repairers on Dec. 22 to help distribute the toys and other goods.

While the holiday season is a particularly needy time, Smith said her organization is in constant need of more donations.

"Like many non-profits, we need everything. Furniture, clothing. The homeless shelter sends all of its people here, so we need things like appliances, just anything that anybody uses," she said.

Repairers is no longer helping residents pay rent or electric bills because of a lack of money.